Minor burns can happen anytime, and all of us are familiar with this issue intimately! It is so common to burn your fingers after unintentionally touching a hot stove, or not paying enough attention while ironing your clothes. First-degree burns are not only a part of life, but also very easy to deal with, and that probably is the reason we don’t take it seriously enough. But that is not the right approach! Every injury, no matter how minor, can get infected or turn into something worse if not properly cared for. That’s why learning first aid for a minor burn should be something you should pay attention to. 

First-degree burns, or minor burns, only affect the outermost layer of skin, while second-degree and third-degree burns are more serious. Your skin may become red and painful, and you may have slight swelling if you have a first-degree burn! Even while first-degree burns are less dangerous than other burns, they can still cause significant pain and scarring if proper first aid is not received in time. Let’s take a look at how should we treat a minor burn quickly and effectively!  

What is a Burn?

Burns happen when the tissues of your skin get damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or sunlight! The majority of burns are small enough to be treated at home with first aid, but it's crucial to recognize the warning signs of a more serious burn that needs expert medical care. Severe burns may need emergency care and may result in major problems, so acting quickly is necessary in such cases! 

There are three types of burns, called first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. In first-degree burns, also known as minor burns, the skin becomes red, blisters may or may not occur, and the burned area hurts a little bit, which can be managed by minor burn pain relief medication or home remedies.  

In second-degree burns, a portion of the dermis is injured and the skin's outer layer gets burnt. There will probably be blisters on the burn, which can be quite painful. In third-degree burns, the top two layers of skin, the dermis and epidermis, are permanently harmed. Third-degree burns, in particular, are very serious, and should be treated medically as soon as possible!

First Aid Techniques for Minor Burns

Are you wondering how should we treat a minor burn at home without involving a doctor? Just keep reading to find out the first aid methods that help treat such burns. Follow these steps mentioned below while using first aid for a minor burn: 

• Take off all jewelry and clothes that are close to the burned region of skin, however, if something is stuck to your skin because of the burn, do not attempt to remove that object.  

• Put the burned area under cool running water for approximately five minutes, as this lessens pain and swelling. Remember that you should not use ice on the burn site. 

• Wash the burn site gently with soap and water to keep it clean, and avoid applying any ointments to the burn site immediately after the burn without washing it. 

• Avoid rubbing burns, as this may exacerbate the damage on the skin that has already occurred. Breaking blisters can lead to an increased risk of infection at the burn site, so be careful of that. 

• As minor burn pain relief, you can take over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. 

• Antibiotic creams and ointments aid in the prevention of infections so you can apply these on the burn after washing. Sterile dressing should be used to cover your burn after applying an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin. 

Minor Burns from Acid or Chemicals

Burns caused by chemicals and acids can be extremely harmful, even if they are minor burns, and need to be treated right away in an emergency unit. If possible, always identify the substance that caused the burn and inform the medical staff of it. First aid for these types of burns includes safely wiping off the chemical or acid from the skin, and removing any contaminated clothing. To eliminate any remaining chemical or acid residue from the burned area, apply cool, running water on the burn site for five to ten minutes. 

What are the Home Remedies for Minor Burns? 

With proper first aid, most minor burns heal fully in a week or two and usually leave no scars behind. Reducing pain, preventing infections, and expediting skin healing are the objectives of burn care and home remedies for minor burns can come in handy for these issues. 

• Use Cold Compresses - Soothing the burn area with a cold compress or a clean, damp towel reduces pain and swelling quickly. Re-applying the compress can be done every five to fifteen minutes, but remember to avoid using very cold compresses as this might exacerbate the burn damage.

• Apply Fresh Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera, one of the best home remedies for minor burns, can effectively treat minor first-degree burns! Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that keep the swelling in control. This plant’s gel increases blood flow and also stops germs from growing on the wound. On the injured region, directly apply a coating of pure aloe vera gel extracted from an aloe vera plant's leaf. If you don’t have access to fresh aloe vera leaf, make sure the aloe vera you purchase in a store has a high aloe vera percentage and doesn’t contain colouring or fragrance.

It is never appropriate to treat third-degree burns at home, and serious consequences, including shock and infections, are possible! Electrical shock burns are likewise too dangerous to cure at home as these burns might harm interior structures since they frequently penetrate the layers under the skin. 

Final Remarks 

Minor burns can be effectively treated with first aid for a minor burn and simple home remedies when used correctly! However, knowing when to seek medical attention and when to manage a burn at home is crucial. You should consult a physician if a burn covers an area larger than three inches in diameter, the wound starts to smell, or you suddenly start to feel hot. 

Reference

1. Minor burns - aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.).

2. American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. (2019). American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Burn Cooling Advisory.

3. Nd, Z. D. (2024, February 2). How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Burns & Sunburns Naturally. wikiHow.